Home / Disasters and Accidents / Madagascar Reels From Cyclone Gezani's Deadly Fury
Madagascar Reels From Cyclone Gezani's Deadly Fury
16 Feb
Summary
- Cyclone Gezani killed 59 people and left 15 missing.
- Over 16,000 people were displaced by the storm.
- Approximately 25,000 homes were destroyed by the cyclone.
Cyclone Gezani made landfall in Madagascar last week, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of 59 people. An additional 15 individuals remain unaccounted for as the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNRGC) reported the devastating toll.
More than 16,000 residents have been displaced due to severe flooding. The cyclone's fury resulted in the destruction of approximately 25,000 homes, with another 27,000 properties flooded. Over 200 classrooms were also rendered unusable, necessitating a government declaration of a national emergency.
The port city of Toamasina, Madagascar's second-largest urban center, bore the brunt of the cyclone, reporting most of the fatalities. Streets remain inundated with muddy floodwaters and debris litters the city, a stark reminder of the storm's ferocity.
International aid from China and France is supporting search-and-rescue operations. The World Food Programme highlighted the overwhelming scale of destruction, noting the city's critical infrastructure, including power and water supply, has been severely compromised.
This cyclone is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to hit the island nation, underscoring its vulnerability. Earlier in February, Tropical Cyclone Fytia also caused significant damage and loss of life.
